Wearable device with input and output structures

ABSTRACT

A head-wearable device includes a center support extending in generally lateral directions, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support and a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support. The device further includes an extension arm configured to present information to the user via a display element. The extension arm extends at least partially along the first side arm on a first side of the center support and further extends from the first side arm to a display end that supports the display element in a position on a second side of the center support. The extension arm has a joint therein configured for movement of the display element at least in a direction having a lateral component relative to the center support.

BACKGROUND

Personal video or image displays are devices that are used to display animage received from a source for viewing by a single user. Such devicescan be in the form of head-mounted displays that are worn on the head ofa user and include one or more image sources over or in front of theuser's eyes. Head-mounted displays can include an image sourcepositioned adjacent and associated with each eye of the user or wearerand can be configured to present the same image, viewable as a singletwo-dimensional image. Alternatively, some such devices can beconfigured to present different stereoscopic images that are interpretedby the viewer as a single three-dimensional image. Regardless of thetype of image presented to the user, such devices are usuallyblacked-out. That is, they almost entirely obstruct the wearer's visionoutside of the screen or other image source included therein so that theuser can see nothing but the image presented by the device's displaysystem.

Other personal image displays can be what is referred to as a heads-updisplay, wherein the image is displayed on, in, or through a transparentdisplay that superimpose the displayed image over a view of thesurrounding environment. These allow the user to view the imagepresented by the display simultaneously with their surroundings. Suchdevices, however, can have many limitations, including in their fit andcomfort to their wearers as well as limited functionality.

Both head-mounted and heads-up displays can be connected to a videosource that receives a video signal that the device can read and convertinto the image that they present to the user. The video source can bereceived from a portable device such as a video player, a portable mediaplayer or computers. Some such display devices are also configured toreceive sound signals, which are delivered to the user typically throughincorporated headphones. The functionality of these types of displaysis, however, limited to passive actions wherein the display simplyreceives information from an external source and presents it to thewearer in limited forms.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure relates to a head-wearable device. Thedevice includes a center support extending in generally lateraldirections, a first side arm extending from a first end of the centerframe support and a second side arm extending from a second end of thecenter support. The device further includes an extension arm configuredto present information to the user via a display element. The extensionarm extends at least partially along the first side arm on a first sideof the center support and further extends from the first side arm to adisplay end that supports the display element in a position on a secondside of the center support. The extension arm has a joint thereinconfigured for movement of the display element at least in a directionhaving a lateral component relative to the center support.

The center support can extend in an arc along a first plane, and thejoint of the extension arm can be configured such that the movementincludes rotation of the display element on a second plane that issubstantially parallel to the first plane. In such an example, therotation of the display element can also cause the translation thereofin the direction having at least a lateral component relative to thecenter support.

The device can further include a pair of spaced apart pads affixed tothe center support by corresponding, selectively deformable supportarms. In other examples, the center support and the first and secondside arms can be configured as a band extending between first and secondends respectively positioned on the first and second side arms with thefirst and second ends being remote from the center support and spacedapart from each other at a first distance. In such an example, the bandcan be resiliently deformable to selectively increase the firstdistance. In a further example, the first side arm can be comparativelymore rigid that the center support. Such deformation of the band toincrease the first distance can rotate the extension arm in a firstdirection, and the joint can be configured to enable movement thatincludes rotation of the display in a second direction that opposes thefirst direction. In one example, the band can be configured forresilient deformation to increase the first distance by at least 40%under a maximum force of 1.2 N. In another example, the band can beconfigured for resilient deformation to increase the first distance byabout 50% under a maximum force of about 0.6 N.

The band can include a compliant inner portion and a resilient outerportion. The resilient outer portion can be a substantially uniformstructure and the compliant inner portion can line the resilient outerportion. Further, the end of the first side arm can be elongatedrelative to the free of the second side arm to form an asymmetric Ushape. The end of the first side arm can be further enlarged relative tothe end of the second side arm with such an enlarged end housing atleast one of circuitry and a power source employed by the displaydevice. The asymmetric U shape can provide multiple points of contactfor the user's head, and the enlarge end of the first side arm canprovide a balancing weight relative to the extension arm. The enlargedend can include a plurality of electrical contacts to connect anexternal device with the at least one of circuitry and a power source.The electrical contacts can be substantially flush with an exteriorsurface of the enlarged end and can be separated by a portion of theexterior surface.

The joint of the extension arm can rotatably connect first and secondportions of the extension arm. The first portion can be attached withthe first side arm, and the second portion can include the display end.The device can further include a camera disposed on the second portionof the extension arm. The extension arm can include an inside surfacefacing the second side arm, and the device can further include a buttondisposed on the inside surface for controlling a function of the device.The button can include an illuminable portion through which an indicatorlight associated with the function can be viewable.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus. The apparatusincludes a center support having a nosepiece affixed thereto. Thenosepiece is configured to rest on the nose of a user with the centralportion being supported over the brow of the user. The apparatus alsoincludes a first side arm extending from a first end of the center framesupport and configured to contact a portion of the head of the user neara first ear, and a second side arm extending from a second end of thecenter frame support and configured to contact a portion of the head ofthe user near a second ear. The apparatus further includes an extensionarm configured to present information to the user via a display element.The extension arm extends at least partially along one of the side armsand further extends from the side arm to a display end that supports thedisplay element so as to be positionable adjacent an eye of the user.The extension arm includes a joint therein to enable rotation of thedisplay element in a direction toward or away from the user's eye withinthe user's line of sight. The joint can be positioned within theextension arm such that rotation of the display element further resultsin lateral translation of the display.

The center support and the first and second side arms can be configuredas a band extending between first and second ends respectivelypositioned on the first and second side arms and defining a U shape.Such a band can be resiliently deformable to be wearable on a user'shead by expansion of the “U” shape. The rotation of the display elementcan be configured to compensate for a change in position of the displayelement due to expansion of the “U” shape.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable deviceassembly configured to be worn on a user's head. The device includes amodule having an extension arm configured to present information to theuser via a display element, a housing unit remote from the extensionarm, and a connecting member extending between the housing unit and theextension arm. The assembly also includes a retention element includinga center support extending in an arc along a first plane, a first sidearm extending from a first end of the center frame support, and anattachment arm extending from a second end of the center support. Themodule is configured for assembly with the retention element byattaching the connecting member with the attachment arm to define asecond side arm extending from the second end of the center support suchthat the extension arm extends at least partially along the second sidearm on a first side of the center support and further extends from theside arm to a display end that supports the display element in aposition on a second side of the center support. The extension arm caninclude a joint therein to enable rotation of the display element on asecond plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane.

The retention element can include a compliant inner portion and aresilient outer portion. Such a resilient outer portion can be asubstantially uniform structure that defines an outer surface of thefirst side arm and extends from the second end of the center support todefine the attachment arm. In one example, the retention element caninclude a nosepiece configured for resting on the nose of the user whenthe module and retention member are assembled together. In such anexample, the first side arm can be configured to contact a portion ofthe head of the user near a first ear, the second side can be configuredto contact a portion of the head of the user near a second ear, and thedisplay element can be positionable adjacent an eye of the user. Inanother example, the retention member can include a first lens and asecond lens affixed to the center support thereof. Such first and secondlenses can be positionable over respective eyes of the user, and whenassembled, the display element can be supported by the extension arm ona side of the lens opposite one of the user's eyes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system for receiving, transmitting, anddisplaying data;

FIG. 2 shows an alternate view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A shows an example system for receiving, transmitting, anddisplaying data;

FIG. 3B shows an example system for receiving, transmitting, anddisplaying data;

FIG. 4 shows an example system for receiving, transmitting, anddisplaying data;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a wearable computer device according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows the device of FIG. 5 in an adjusted configuration thereof;

FIG. 8 shows the device of FIG. 5 in various stages of adjustment of aportion thereof;

FIG. 9 shows the device of FIG. 5 during various stages of adjustment ofanother portion thereof;

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the device of FIG. 5 according to amodular configuration thereof; and

FIG. 11 shows a portion of the device of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the drawing figures. FIG. 1 illustrates an example system100 for receiving, transmitting, and displaying data. The system 100 isshown in the form of a wearable computing device. While FIG. 1illustrates a head-mounted device 102 as an example of a wearablecomputing device, other types of wearable computing devices couldadditionally or alternatively be used. As illustrated in FIG. 1, thehead-mounted device 102 comprises frame elements including lens-frames104, 106 and a center frame support 108, lens elements 110, 112, andextending side-arms 114, 116. The center frame support 108 and theextending side-arms 114, 116 are configured to secure the head-mounteddevice 102 to a user's face via a user's nose and ears, respectively.

Each of the frame elements 104, 106, and 108 and the extending side-arms114, 116 may be formed of a solid structure of plastic and/or metal, ormay be formed of a hollow structure of similar material so as to allowwiring and component interconnects to be internally routed through thehead-mounted device 102. Other materials may be possible as well.

One or more of each of the lens elements 110, 112 may be formed of anymaterial that can suitably display a projected image or graphic. Each ofthe lens elements 110, 112 may also be sufficiently transparent to allowa user to see through the lens element. Combining these two features ofthe lens elements may facilitate an augmented reality or heads-updisplay where the projected image or graphic is superimposed over areal-world view as perceived by the user through the lens elements.

The extending side-arms 114, 116 may each be projections that extendaway from the lens-frames 104, 106, respectively, and may be positionedbehind a user's ears to secure the head-mounted device 102 to the user.The extending side-arms 114, 116 may further secure the head-mounteddevice 102 to the user by extending around a rear portion of the user'shead. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the system 100 mayconnect to or be affixed within a head-mounted helmet structure. Otherpossibilities exist as well.

The system 100 may also include an on-board computing system 118, avideo camera 120, a sensor 122, and a finger-operable touch pad 124. Theon-board computing system 118 is shown to be positioned on the extendingside-arm 114 of the head-mounted device 102; however, the on-boardcomputing system 118 may be provided on other parts of the head-mounteddevice 102 or may be positioned remote from the head-mounted device 102(e.g., the on-board computing system 118 could be wire- orwirelessly-connected to the head-mounted device 102). The on-boardcomputing system 118 may include a processor and memory, for example.The on-board computing system 118 may be configured to receive andanalyze data from the video camera 120 and the finger-operable touch pad124 (and possibly from other sensory devices, user interfaces, or both)and generate images for output by the lens elements 110 and 112.

The video camera 120 is shown positioned on the extending side-arm 114of the head-mounted device 102; however, the video camera 120 may beprovided on other parts of the head-mounted device 102. The video camera120 may be configured to capture images at various resolutions or atdifferent frame rates. Many video cameras with a small form-factor, suchas those used in cell phones or webcams, for example, may beincorporated into an example of the system 100.

Further, although FIG. 1 illustrates one video camera 120, more videocameras may be used, and each may be configured to capture the sameview, or to capture different views. For example, the video camera 120may be forward facing to capture at least a portion of the real-worldview perceived by the user. This forward facing image captured by thevideo camera 120 may then be used to generate an augmented reality wherecomputer generated images appear to interact with the real-world viewperceived by the user.

The sensor 122 is shown on the extending side-arm 116 of thehead-mounted device 102; however, the sensor 122 may be positioned onother parts of the head-mounted device 102. The sensor 122 may includeone or more of a gyroscope or an accelerometer, for example. Othersensing devices may be included within, or in addition to, the sensor122 or other sensing functions may be performed by the sensor 122.

The finger-operable touch pad 124 is shown on the extending side-arm 114of the head-mounted device 102. However, the finger-operable touch pad124 may be positioned on other parts of the head-mounted device 102.Also, more than one finger-operable touch pad may be present on thehead-mounted device 102. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be usedby a user to input commands. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may senseat least one of a position and a movement of a finger via capacitivesensing, resistance sensing, or a surface acoustic wave process, amongother possibilities. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be capable ofsensing finger movement in a direction parallel or planar to the padsurface, in a direction normal to the pad surface, or both, and may alsobe capable of sensing a level of pressure applied to the pad surface.The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be formed of one or moretranslucent or transparent insulating layers and one or more translucentor transparent conducting layers. Edges of the finger-operable touch pad124 may be formed to have a raised, indented, or roughened 20 surface,so as to provide tactile feedback to a user when the user's fingerreaches the edge, or other area, of the finger-operable touch pad 124.If more than one finger-operable touch pad is present, eachfinger-operable touch pad may be operated independently, and may providea different function.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate view of the system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the lens elements 110, 112 may act asdisplay elements. The head-mounted device 102 may include a firstprojector 128 coupled to an inside surface of the extending side-arm 116and configured to project a display 130 onto an inside surface of thelens element 112. Additionally or alternatively, a second projector 132may be coupled to an inside surface of the extending side-arm 114 andconfigured to project a display 134 onto an inside surface of the lenselement 110.

The lens elements 110, 112 may act as a combiner in a light projectionsystem and may include a coating that reflects the light projected ontothem from the projectors 128, 132. In some embodiments, a reflectivecoating may not be used (e.g., when the projectors 128, 132 are scanninglaser devices).

In alternative embodiments, other types of display elements may also beused. For example, the lens elements 110, 112 themselves may include: atransparent or semi-transparent matrix display, such as anelectroluminescent display or a liquid crystal display, one or morewaveguides for delivering an image to the user's eyes, or other opticalelements capable of delivering an in focus near-to-eye image to theuser. A corresponding display driver may be disposed within the frameelements 104, 106 for driving such a matrix display. Alternatively oradditionally, a laser or LED source and scanning system could be used todraw a raster display directly onto the retina of one or more of theuser's eyes. Other possibilities exist as well.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example system 200 for receiving, transmitting,and displaying data. The system 200 is shown in the form of a wearablecomputing device 202. The wearable computing device 202 may includeframe elements and side-arms such as those described with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2. The wearable computing device 202 may additionallyinclude an on-board computing system 204 and a video camera 206, such asthose described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. The video camera 206 isshown mounted on a frame of the wearable computing device 202; however,the video camera 206 may be mounted at other positions as well.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the wearable computing device 202 may include asingle display 208 which may be coupled to the device. The display 208may be formed on one of the lens elements of the wearable computingdevice 202, such as a lens element described with respect to FIGS. 1 and2, and may be configured to overlay computer-generated graphics in theuser's view of the physical world. The display 208 is shown to beprovided in a center of a lens of the wearable computing device 202,however, the display 208 may be provided in other positions. The display208 is controllable via the computing system 204 that is coupled to thedisplay 208 via an optical waveguide 210.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example system 220 for receiving, transmitting,and displaying data. The system 220 is shown in the form of a wearablecomputing device 222. The wearable computing device 222 may includeside-arms 223, a center frame support 224, and a bridge portion withnosepiece 225. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the center frame support224 connects the side-arms 223. The wearable computing device 222 doesnot include lens-frames containing lens elements. The wearable computingdevice 222 may additionally include an onboard computing system 226 anda video camera 228, such as those described with respect to FIGS. 1 and2.

The wearable computing device 222 may include a single lens element 230that may be coupled to one of the side-arms 223 or the center framesupport 224. The lens element 230 may include a display such as thedisplay described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and may be configuredto overlay computer-generated graphics upon the user's view of thephysical world. In one example, the single lens element 230 may becoupled to the inner side (i.e., the side exposed to a portion of auser's head when worn by the user) of the extending side-arm 223. Thesingle lens element 230 may be positioned in front of or proximate to auser's eye when the wearable computing device 222 is worn by a user. Forexample, the single lens element 230 may be positioned below the centerframe support 224, as shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic drawing of an example computer networkinfrastructure. In system 300, a device 310 communicates using acommunication link 320 (e.g., a wired or wireless connection) to aremote device 330. The device 310 may be any type of device that canreceive data and display information corresponding to or associated withthe data. For example, 10 the device 310 may be a heads-up displaysystem, such as the head-mounted device 102, 200, or 220 described withreference to FIGS. 1-3B.

Thus, the device 310 may include a display system 312 comprising aprocessor 314 and a display 316. The display 310 may be, for example, anoptical see-through display, an optical see-around display, or a videosee-through display. The processor 314 may receive data from the remotedevice 330, and configure the data for display on the display 316. Theprocessor 314 may be any type of processor, such as a micro-processor ora digital signal processor, for example.

The device 310 may further include on-board data storage, such as memory318 coupled to the processor 314. The memory 318 may store software thatcan be accessed and executed by the processor 314, for example.

The remote device 330 may be any type of computing device or transmitterincluding a laptop computer, a mobile telephone, or tablet computingdevice, etc., that is configured to transmit data to the device 310. Theremote device 330 and the device 310 may contain hardware to enable thecommunication link 320, such as processors, transmitters, receivers,antennas, etc.

In FIG. 4, the communication link 320 is illustrated as a wirelessconnection; however, wired connections may also be used. For example,the communication link 320 may be a wired serial bus such as a universalserial bus or a parallel bus. A wired connection may be a proprietaryconnection as well. The communication link 320 may also be a wirelessconnection using, e.g., Bluetooth® radio technology, communicationprotocols described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11revisions), Cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EVDO, WiMAX,or LTE), or Zigbee® technology, among other possibilities. The remotedevice 330 may be accessible via the Internet and may include acomputing cluster associated with a particular web service (e.g.,social-networking, photo sharing, address book, etc.).

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 illustrate an example system 400 for receiving,transmitting, and displaying data according to aspects of thedisclosure. The system 400 is a wearable computing device and includesmany of the same components included in the configurations describedabove. The device 410 shown in FIG. 5 is configured to be wearable onthe head of the user. As will be described in greater detail below,device 410 includes a band 412 that provides a desired fit of device 410on a user's head. Device 410 further includes an extension arm 414 thatextends from a portion of band 412 to a display end 416 thereof thatincludes a display element 454. Extension arm 414 is configured suchthat, when device 410 is worn by a user, display 454 mounted onextension arm 414 can be positioned adjacent the user's eye, within theuser's line of sight of at least that eye, for making an image presentedthereon viewable by the user. In this manner, the extension arm 414 isconfigured to carry out at least one operation of the device 410, namelypresenting an image to the user. Additional operations can also becarried out through extension arm 414, which can also include an inputdevice in the form of a touch-based input 470 that is accessible to theuser to execute a touch input gesture to execute a control function ofthe device assembly 410 or a function of another electronic device thatis connected or in communication with device assembly 410.

Band 412 is shown in FIG. 5 as including a central portion 430 with sidearms 440A,440B extending away from opposite sides of the central portion430. Central portion 430 includes nosepiece 420 configured to rest onthe nose of a wearer with the central portion 430 providing a centralsupport for side arms 440A,440B, which can extend unitarily therefrom,or can at least appear to extend unitarily therefrom, with an area oftransition between the central portion 430 and the side arms 440A,440Bincluding a bend or curve therebetween. Nosebridge 420 can include apair of bridge arms 422 that extend from the central portion 430. In theview of the embodiment of device assembly 410 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,bridge arms 422 extend in a downward direction from central portion 430.As in other figures, the orientation of device assembly 410 shown inFIG. 5 generally corresponds to the orientation of device 410 when beingworn by a user when the user's head is in a neutral, upright position.The description of bridge arms 422 extending downward from centralportion 430 is made in such a reference frame and is done for purposesof the present description. Discussion of any other relative referencedirections is also made for similar purposes and none are intended to belimiting with respect to the present disclosure, unless explicitlystated.

Bridge arms 422 can include respective pads 424 thereon, which can bepositioned to rest on parts of the nose of the wearer. Pads 424 can bemade of a material that is softer than arms 422 for purposes of comfort.Additionally, the material that pads 424 are made from can be flexibleor have a texture that prevents slippage along the surface of the user'snose. Bridge arms 422 can be flexible to further provide a comfortablefit and or grip on the user's nose. Further, bridge arms 422 can bebendable and repositionable so that the position of pads 424 can bechanged to best fit the user. This can include movement closer togetheror farther apart or fore and aft relative to central portion 430, whichcan adjust the height of central portion 430 and, accordingly, theposition of extension arm 414 and its display 454 relative to the user'seye.

Further adjustment of display and other structures thereof can besimilar to those in the embodiments described above, as can thestructures used to affix extension arm 414 to band 412. In otherembodiments, structures similar to arms and pads can be integrallyformed with central portion 430 and can be structured such that largeror smaller areas of the nosebridge 420 contact the nose of the user,compared to the embodiment shown. Accordingly, device 410 can be worn ona user's head such that nosepiece 420 can rest on the user's nose withside arms 440A,440B extending over respective temples of the user andover adjacent ears. The device 420 can be configured, such as byadjustment of bridge arms 422 or other adjustments discussed below, suchthat display element 454 is appropriately positioned in view of one ofthe user's eyes. In one position, device 410 can be positioned on theuser's head, with bridge arms 422 being adjusted to position display 454in a location within the user's field of view, but such that the usermust direct her eyes upward to fully view the image on the display.

Side arms 440A,440B can be configured to contact the head of the useralong respective temples or in the area of respective ears of the user.Side arms 440A,440B include respective free ends 444 opposite centralportion 430. Free ends 444 can be positioned to be located near the earof a user when wearing device 410. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the centerportion 430 and side arms 440A,440B may generally have a “U” shape. Inthis example, the U shape is asymmetric. The asymmetry is due, in part,to the different configurations of the free ends 444A,444B of the sidearms 440A,440B. As shown, free end 444A may be enlarged to housecircuitry and/or a power supply (e.g., removable or rechargeablebattery) for the system 400. The configurations of the two free ends maybe switched so that free end 444B houses circuitry and/or power supplyequipment.

Enlarged free end 444A can be configured and positioned to provide abalancing weight to that of extension arm 414. Extension arm 414 ispositioned forward of the user's ear, which can cause a portion of itsweight to be supported over the brow of the user. By adding weightbehind the user's ear (or shifting weight to behind the user's ear) inthe form of earpiece 446, the ear becomes a fulcrum about which theweight of extension arm 414 is balanced against that of the earpiece446. This can remove some of the weight on the user's nose, giving amore comfortable, and a potentially more secure fit with reducedpotential slipping of nosepiece 420 downward on the user's nose. Thecomponents within enlarged free end 444A, such as a battery or variouscontrol circuitry can be arranged to contribute to a desired weightdistribution for device 410. For example, heavier components, such as abattery, can be placed toward or away from extension arm 414 on side arm440A to adjust the weight distribution. In an embodiment, a majority ofthe weight can be carried by the ear of the user, but some weight canstill be carried by the nose in order to give the device a secure feeland to keep the central portion 430 in a desired position over the browto maintain a desired position for display 454. In an embodiment,between 55% and 90% of the weight of device assembly 410 can be carriedby the user's ear.

Band 412 can be configured to resiliently deform through a sufficientrange and under an appropriate amount of force to provide a secure fiton user's heads of various sizes. In an example, band 412 is configuredto comfortably and securely fit on at least about 90% of adult humanheads. To accomplish this, as illustrated in FIG. 9, band 412 can bestructured to elastically deform (or resiliently deform) such that thedistance 496 between free ends 444A and 444B can increase under forcefrom an initial, or unflexed distance 496 ₁ by at least 40% and up toabout 50% to a flexed distance 496 ₂. In other examples, distance 496 ₁can increase by more than 50%. The original distance 496 ₁ between freeends 444A and 444B can be configured to be undersized relative to thesmallest head size that band 412 is intended to be worn on such thatdistance 496 will increase at last somewhat (for example, by about 5%)so that the flexing of free ends 444A and 444B away from each other whenworn even by users having small head sizes causes some pressure to beapplied to the sides of the user's head.

Additionally, band 412 can be structured, such as by configurationthereof to a sufficient spring coefficient, such that when band 412 isexpanded to fit a user of a relatively large head size, the pressureapplied to the sides of the user's head by band 412 is not too great soas to cause pain while being worn or to make device 410 difficult to donor doff. Different materials having certain characteristics can be usedin different forms to give the desired flex characteristics of band 412.In one example band 412 can have a spring coefficient for expansion, asdescribed above, of between about 0.005 and 0.02 N/mm or, in anotherexample, of about 1/100 N/mm. Given an exemplary spring coefficient, aband 412, as described above can expand from an initial distance 496 ₁of about 156 mm to about 216 mm by a force of between about 0.3 N and1.2 N. In another example, such expansion can be under a force of about0.6 N.

Band 412 can be configured to include a compliant inner portion 438 anda resilient outer portion 448. Inner portion 438 can include anyportions of the band 412 that are intended to contact the user's head.In the particular embodiment shown, inner portion 438 can define theentire inner surface 439 of band 412 to ensure that the compliantmaterial of inner portion makes contact with the user's head regardlessof the area of band 412 along which contact is made with the user'shead. Inner portion 438 can be made of any material that can provide adegree of compliance to enhance the comfort of the fit of band 412 onthe user's head while being able to retain its general shape. Acceptablematerials include various foams, such as foam rubber, neoprene, naturalor synthetic leather, and various fabrics. In an embodiment, innerportion 430 is made of an injection-molded or cast TPE. Inner portion430 can also be made from various types of Nylon, including for example,Grilamid TR90. The compliance of the material of inner portion 430 canbe measured by the durometer of the material. In an example, innerportion 438 can be made from a TPE having a durometer of between 30 and70. Inner portion 438 can also be formed having a hollow passagetherethrough or a channel formed therein opposite inner surface 439.Such a passage or channel can be used to route any wiring associatedwith extension arm 414. For example, as discussed above a battery can behoused in enlarged free end 444A of band 412 that can be connected withthe internal components of extension arm 414 to provide power therefor.This connection can be made by wired routed through a channel or hollowpassage through inner portion 438.

Outer portion 448 of band 412 can be made of a resiliently flexiblematerial such as metal or plastic. In general, the nature of such amaterial should be such that outer portion 448 can maintain the desiredshape for band 412 while allowing flexibility so that band 412 canexpand to fit on a user's head while applying a comfortable pressurethereto to help retain band 412 on the user's head. Outer portion 448can be elastically deformable up to a sufficiently high threshold thatthe shape of band 412 will not be permanently deformed simply by beingworn by a user with a large head. Acceptable materials for outer portion448 include metals such as aluminum, nickel, titanium (including grade 5titanium), various steels (including spring steel, stainless steel orthe like), or alloys including these and other metals. The thickness ofouter portion 448 can be adjusted, depending on the material used, togive the desired flexibility characteristics. In an example, the desiredfit and flexibility characteristics for band 412, discussed above, canbe achieved using grade 5 titanium at a thickness of between about 0.8mm and 1.8 mm for outer portion 448.

Inner portion 438 can have a profile such that it at least partiallyfits within a channel formed by outer portion 448. In an example innerportion 438 can be sized to fit within a channel formed by a generallyU-shaped cross-sectional profile of outer portion 548. Such a channelcan be configured to also accept any wiring of band 412 therein or toclose a partially open channel formed in inner portion 439 to hold suchwiring.

As shown in FIG. 5, side arm 440A can include an arched or curvedsection, such that it bends along a portion of the back of the user'sear. As with eyeglasses, the particular shape of such a bend can vary inmany ways including in the size of the bend, the distance around the earwhich it extends and the amount of contact, if any, actually maintainedwith the outside of the ear. The bend 446 in side arm 440A can blendinto a continuing shape formed in the enlarged free end 444A and can beconfigured such that the enlarged free end 444A can be positioned incontact with a portion of the user's head behind the adjacent ear. Thebend 446 can further be resiliently deformable such that different sizesand shapes of head can be accommodated by such a fit. In such anembodiment, the enlarged free end 444A can be integrally formed withinner portion 438 and can include internal support within a portionthereof that extends beyond outer portion 448. Such internal support caninclude an internal electronics housing that can contain batteries orelectronic circuitry associated with device 410. The internal supportcan also include resilient members such as spring elements (not shown)to help provide flexion of band 412 and retention pressure against awearer's head. Such spring elements can also be plastically deformableto allow for user adjustment of the position of enlarged free end 444A.Lengths of armature wire can be used to provide such characteristics.Any internal support within enlarged free end 444A can extend into thearea of inner portion 438 that is within outer portion 448 to provideadditional support therefor.

Extension arm 414 includes a first portion 476 that extends downwardfrom band 412 at a first portion 476 that can be shaped to also extendalong a length of band, such as along side arm 440A. First portion 476is further shaped to extend away from band 412 to an elbow portion 450connected with first portion 476 by a joint 456. Elbow portion 450supports display 454 at an angle relative to arm 476 that can beadjusted by rotation of elbow portion 450 about joint 456. In theexample shown in FIG. 5, first portion 476 of extension arm 414 can beslightly curved so as to extend along a similarly curved portion of sidearm 440A. Such a curve can continue on extension arm as band 412 curvesinward as side arm 440A transitions to central portion 430. Extensionarm 414 can be positioned vertically below band 412 such that band 412can remain out of the user's line of sight while display 454 is visibleto the user.

While device 410 can be configured to give a visual appearance that band412 and extension arm 414 are distinct units, the extension arm 414 canbe formed as a part of at least a portion of band 412. For example, in aband arrangement, described above, where band 412 includes an innerportion 438 and an outer portion 448, a portion of the extension armhousing 452 can be integrally formed with inner portion 438, as shown inFIG. 10. In such an example, internal components of extension arm 414,such as a circuit board, logic board, or the like can extend into innerportion 438, as can an associated portion of housing 452.

In another example, the housing 452 of extension arm 414 can beconnected with a housing unit internal to enlarged free end 444A, suchas by an internal member. The internal member may be connected betweenthe two such as using fixation elements, adhesive or integral forming.The housing 452, internal housing unit, and connection can then beovermolded with another material, such as TPE or the like to give asubstantially uniform appearance and to form the visible portions of theinner portion 438 of band 412. Visual features, such as parting lines,relief lines, or the like can be included in the shape of such a unit432 to give the visual appearance of separate elements, if desired.

In an embodiment where band 412 is integrally formed with or otherwiseconnected with generally rigid extension arm 414 along a portionthereof, band 412, while made to be flexible, may be made rigid whereattached with extension arm 414. In the example shown, this may occuralong a portion of side arm 440A. In such an example, it may be desiredto form band 412 such that the flexation thereof, described generallyabove, occurs mostly within central portion 430 or in the areas oftransition between central portion 430 and side arms 440A,440B.

Such a configuration can be achieved in a number of ways. For example,side arm 440A is made more rigid by connection with rigid extension arm414. In such an embodiment it may be desirable to make side arm 440Brigid as well so that the side arms 440A and 440B give a more similarfeel along the user's head. This can be done by assembling a structuralmember, such as a rigid piece of wire or the like inside of insideportion 538. Further, outside portion 448 can be structured to make sidearms 440A and 440B more rigid. For example, outside portion 448 can havea U-shaped cross-sectional profile with walls 480 that extend inwardrelative to outside wall 459. Walls 480 can be present along side arms440A and 440B and can be either absent from central portion 430 or canextend inward by a lesser amount to make central portion 430 less rigid.Further, as shown in FIG. 6, band 412, including outside portion 448,can taper such that outside wall 459 is narrower toward the middle ofcentral portion 430. Additionally, the material thickness of outsideportion 448 can be less along portions of central portion 430 of band412 to make central portion relatively more flexible.

Display 454, which is elongated and generally defines a display axis,can extend relative to first portion 476 at an angle that can beadjusted within a range, for example, from about 100° to about 125° byrotation of elbow portion 450 relative to first portion 476 about joint456. Although the shape of first portion 476 is shown in the figures ashaving a curved shape in the direction in which such an angle ismeasured, such a measurement can be taken with respect to a line tangentto any portion of first portion, such as along the end thereof towardjoint 456. In another example, the adjustment angle of display 454 canbe within a range of about 20° or within a range of 16° or less, withthe middle position of such a range positioned between about 195° and115° relative to first portion 476 of extension arm 414. Joint 456 ispositioned in extension arm 414 such that it can rotate along asubstantially vertical axis when being worn by a user. In other words,in the embodiment shown, band 412 is formed in a U-shape that generallydefines a plane. Such a plane can be considered an approximation,allowing for any curves in band 412 that are vertically displacedrelative to the rest of band 412. Joint 456 can be configured such thatelbow portion 450 can rotate along another substantially parallel planeor along the same plane.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, such adjustment can be used to positiondisplay 454 such that an image presented thereon can be comfortablyviewed by a wearer of device 410. As shown, rotation of elbow portion450 about axis 492, can cause surface 460 to move closer to or fartherfrom the user's eye 490. This can allow the user to adjust the display454 for comfortable viewing of an image presented thereon and can allowthe user to position display 454 at a distance such that display 454does not contact the user's brow or eyelashes, for example. Further, insome forms of display 454 and in certain applications, it may be desiredto allow the user to adjust the lateral position of display 454 suchthat the inside edge 462 of surface 460 is positioned outside of theuser's pupil 491 when the user's eye is in a neutral (or forwardlooking) position.

As shown in FIG. 8, when device 410 is being worn, display 454′ may bepositioned such that it at least partially extends beyond an outsideedge (indicated by line 494) of the wearer's pupil 491. The joint 456can allow the user to rotate elbow portion 450 such that display 454,while moving outward away from eye 490, also moves along a lateraldirectional component by a distance 498 such that edge 462 moves to aposition outside of the user's pupil when the user's eye 490 is in theneutral position shown in FIG. 8.

Additionally, the adjustment between elbow portion 450 and first portion476 can compensate for movement of first portion 476 relative to centralportion 430 or nosepiece 420 due to flexing of band 412 with which firstportion 476 is joined. As shown in FIG. 9, when band 412 flexes suchthat distance 496 between free ends 444A and 444B increases, side arms440A and 44B can rotate and translate relative to their positions whenband 412 is unflexed. This, accordingly causes the same rotation andtranslation of first portion 476 of extension arm 414. Such movementcauses a corresponding rotation and translation of elbow portion 450 anddisplay 454, depending on the shape of extension arm 414. In the exampleshown, display 454 is moved inward toward center 430 ₁ of band 412 andaway from the user's eye. Other configurations of band 412 and/orextension arm 414 are possible in which display moves closer to thecentral portion 430, and thus closer to the user's eye.

The rotation and translation of display 454 from flexing of band 412 cancause display 454 to move into a disadvantageous position, such as tooclose to the user's eye or in which edge 462 is aligned with orpositioned inward of the user's pupil 490, as discussed above. In suchinstances, elbow portion 450 can be rotated about joint 456 to counterthe movement caused by the flexing of band 412 and to move display 454into a more advantageous position.

The joint 456 between first portion 476 and elbow portion 450 caninclude an internal hinge of sufficient friction to maintain a positionin which elbow portion 450 is placed relative to first portion 476.First portion 476 and elbow portion 450 can be configured to give auniform appearance, as shown in the figures. First portion 476 and elbowportion 450 can be further configured so that the appearance of aconstant curvature of the outer surface 475 of extension arm 414regardless of the position of joint 456. Further, as shown in FIG. 11,an articulating surface 464A of first portion 476 can define a leadingedge 466 with outer surface 453. Articulating surface 464A can beconfigured to intersect with outer surface 475 such that the leadingedge 466 gives the appearance of a smooth curve that has an apex thereofthat overlaps elbow portion 450 more than at the outer edges thereof.Such a configuration can give a more visually pleasing and uniformappearance than if the articulating surface were a simple surface ofrevolution that would form a more wavy intersection with the examplecompound curved outer surface 475 of extension arm 414. Articulatingsurface 464B is shown as transitioning from a surface that is convexalong two axes adjacent surface 453 to a surface that is convex alongone axis and straight along another. Articulating surface 464A can be anegative image of articulating surface 464B, which can facilitate thedesired appearance of leading edge 466.

Other structures can be used to achieve lateral translational adjustmentfor allowing edge 462 to be positioned outside of a user's pupil 491.For example, display 454 can be mounted to first portion 476 ofextension arm 414 using a sliding arrangement that can permit thedesired lateral translation thereof. This can be achieved by joiningsecond portion 450 of extension arm 414 to first portion 476 using atrack or other sliding joint. An additional sliding or telescopingfeature can be used to provide movement of display 454 toward and awayfrom the user's eye to provide eye relief. In another arrangementextension arm 414 can be a unitary structure without joint 456 and canbe rotatably attached to band 412 to allow rotation in a plane similarto that of the rotation of second portion 450 shown in FIG. 8. Suchrotation would, accordingly, also have a lateral component for thedesired lateral adjustment of display 454 and edge 462.

In an embodiment, the image source associated with display 454 and itsrelated circuitry can be held within elbow portion 450. Circuitry for atouch-based input 470 can be positioned within first portion 476 suchthat, when display 454 is positioned over a user's eye, first portion476 is positioned in a position that extends over the user's templeadjacent that eye.

In the embodiment shown, display 454 is in the form of a generallytransparent prism that is configured to overlay or combine with theuser's sight an image generated by electronic display components thatare positioned within the housing 452. Such a prism can be structured toreceive a projected image in a receiving side 458 and to make that imagevisible to a user by looking into a viewing side 460 of display 454.This can be done by configuring display 454 with a specific shape and ormaterial characteristics. In the example shown, the receiving side 458of display 454 is adjacent to or within housing 452 such that theelectronic components inside housing 452 can contain a video projectorstructured to project the desired video image into receiving side 458 ofprism 454. Such projectors can include an image source such as LCD, CRT,and OLED displays and a lens, if needed, for focusing the image on anappropriate area of prism 454. The electronic components associated withdisplay 454 can also include control circuitry for causing the projectorto generate the desired image based on a video signal received thereby.Other types of displays and image sources are discussed above and canalso be incorporated into extension arm 414. Further, a display can bein the form of a video screen consisting of, for example, a transparentsubstrate. In such an example, the image generating means can becircuitry for a LCD display, a CRT display or the like positioneddirectly behind the screen such that the overall display is nottransparent. The housing of the extension arm 414 can extend behind thedisplay and the image generating means to enclose the image generatingmeans in such an embodiment.

The receiving surface 458 of display 454 structured to combine theprojected image with the view of the environment surrounding the wearerof the device. This allows the user to observe both the surroundingenvironment and the image projected into prism 454. The prism 454 andthe display electronics can be configured to present an opaque orsemi-transparent image, or combinations thereof, to achieve variousdesired image combinations.

It is also noted that, although the embodiment of FIG. 5 shows aextension arm 414 that is joined with band 412 such that it ispositioned over the right eye of a user when being worn, other similarembodiments are possible in which a mirror-image of extension arm 414can be attached on an opposite side of band 412 to make it positionableover the left eye of the user. Depending on the application of device410 or individual user preferences, it may be desirable to positionextension arm 414 on a particular side of the user's head. For example,a right-handed person may prefer having the extension arm 414 on theright side of her head to make interaction with touch-based input 470easier. In another example, a person may prefer to have the display 454over a dominant eye for easier interaction with elements presented ondisplay 454 or over a non-dominant eye to make it easier to shift hisfocus away from elements presented on display 454 when engaged in otheractivities.

As discussed above, an input device in the form of a touch-based input470 is also desirably included in extension arm 414. Touch-based input470 can be a touchpad or trackpad-type device configured to sense atleast one of a position and a movement of a finger via capacitivesensing, resistance sensing, or a surface acoustic wave process, amongother possibilities. Touch-based input 470 can further be capable ofsensing finger movement in a direction parallel or planar to a surfacethereof, in a direction normal to the surface, or both, and may also becapable of sensing a level of pressure applied. Touch-based input 470can be formed having an outer layer of one or more insulating, ordielectric, layers that can be opaque, translucent, or transparent andan inner layer of one or more conducting layers that can be opaque,transparent, or translucent.

In an embodiment, the outer layer of the touch-based input 470 can be aportion of an outer wall 453 of housing 452. This can provide a seamlessor uniform incorporation of touch-based input 470 into housing 452. Thehousing can define an interior cavity for containing the inner layer ofthe touch-based input 470 and any electrical structures, such as controlcircuitry, associated therewith. The outer layer of the touch-basedinput 470 can include the entire wall 453 or a selected operable area472 in the form of one or more touch-surfaces 470 thereof, as dictatedby the size, shape, and position of the inner layer of the touch-basedinput 470. If a portion of the housing is to be used as the outer layerof the touch-based input 470, then the housing 452 can be made of adielectric material such as plastic. In an alternative embodiment, thetouch-based input can be a discrete element that is mounted in anopening in the housing 452 that includes its own dielectric outer layer,separate from wall 453 to define the operable area within a window oropening through wall 453 in a manner similar to a touchpad on a laptopcomputer.

In the embodiment shown, touch-based input 470 is positioned on firstportion 476 and defines a generally vertical plane that overlies aportion of the side of the user's head. Circuitry can be formed oradjusted to function with a curved outer surface, etc. Accordingly,touch-based input 470 may not be visible to a user of the assembly 410,when it is being worn.

Additionally, housing 452 can include additional input structures, suchas a button 484 (shown in FIG. 5B) that can provide additionalfunctionality for extension arm 414, including implementing a lock orsleep feature or allowing a user to toggle the power for device 410between on and off states. The button 484 can further include an LEDlight beneath a surface thereof that can indicate a status of thedevice, such as on or off, or asleep or awake. The button can beconfigured such that the light is visible when on, but that the sourceof the light cannot be seen when the light is off.

Touch-based input 470, or another type of input, can be used to providea control function that is executed by extension arm 414, such as by anon-board CPU or a CPU mounted to or within an associated wearablestructure, or by a remote device, such as a smartphone or a laptopcomputer. In an embodiment information related to the control functionis viewable by the user on display 454. In one example, the controlfunction is the selection of a menu item. In such an example, a menuwith a list of options can be presented on display 454. The user canmove a cursor or can scroll through highlighted options by predeterminedmovement of a finger along touch-based input 470 and can confirm theselection by a different movement, the acceptance of the selection beingindicated by the display. Examples of menu item selections can includewhether to answer or decline an incoming call on a remotely-linkedsmartphone or to scroll or zoom-in on a map presented in display.

Additional input structures can be included in extension arm 414. Thesecan include a camera 426, as shown in FIG. 5. The camera can be used totake picture or record a video at the user's discretion. The camera canalso be used by the device to obtain an image of the user's view of hisor her environment to use in implementing augmented realityfunctionality. A light sensor can be included in connection with thecamera 426, for example, within the same housing feature as camera 426.Such a light sensor can be used by firmware or software associated withthe camera 426. As shown in FIG. 5, the camera (and sensor) can beincluded in a housing 452 positioned within the elbow portion 450 andfacing in a direction substantially perpendicular to viewing surface 460of display 454. In such an arrangement, camera 426 is positioned to facein a direction along the user's line of sight, and the sensor ispositioned to sense light within the view of the camera 426.

In an embodiment, button 474 can be configured to receive an input fromthe user to direct device 410 to capture an image using camera 426 orone of multiple cameras of device 410. In an embodiment, the controlcircuitry or software within device 410 can allow the user to select oneor a plurality of multiple cameras with which to capture an image or“take a picture” before receiving an input using button 474 to actuallycapture the image using the selected camera. Button 474 can bepositioned on extension arm 414 along the top surface 467 of housing452. Such positioning can allow for the user to grasp housing 452, forexample, using the user's thumb positioned opposite from top surface467, with the user's index finger to press on button 474 in a pinchingmotion. This action can be similar to the motion used to activate ashutter in a conventional camera (e.g. a point-and-shoot or an SLRcamera) or a motion used by people to mimic such a motion, making theuse of button 474 to take a picture with camera 474 more intuitive to auser. Additionally, the positioning of button 474 to be pressed in theabove-described pinching motion can result in a more stable activationof button 474, wherein the user's thumb provides support for extensionarm 414 when button 474 is pressed. Such stability can be furtherenhanced by configuring button 474 with a low activation pressure suchthat the force applied thereto is low enough to not cause extension arm414 to move during image capture.

As mentioned previously, housing 452 can contain electronic circuitrysuch as the circuitry for touch based input 470. In addition housing 452can include control circuitry for the image source associated withdisplay 454, the camera 426, or the sensor 428, or one or more circuitboards including a processor to control display 454, touch based input470 or to perform other functions for extension arm 414. Housing 452 canfurther include a power source, such as a battery to power the othercircuitry. Additionally housing 452 can include memory, a microprocessoror communications devices, such as cellular, short-range wireless (e.g.Bluetooth), or WiFi circuitry for connection to a remote device.Additionally, any such circuitry can be included in band 414 such as inat least enlarged free end 444A, for example in an internal cavitythereof.

Enlarged free end 444A can also include one or more connection contacts482 that can be used to connect device 410 to a power source to rechargea battery without removal thereof. Further device 410 can include aconnection port 480 that can be used to connect device 410 to anexternal device such as a smartphone or a computer. Port 480 can be anystandardized connection type port such as USB, fire-wire, thunderbolt,or a specialized port 480. Port 480 can also be configured to connectwith a power source to charge a battery within device 410.

As discussed above, in an embodiment of device 410, shown in FIG. 10,extension arm 414 can be included in a unit 432 with a portion of innerportion 438 of band 412 that includes enlarged free end 444A of side arm440A. In such an embodiment, a removable band 412 ₁ can include theremainder of inner portion 438 ₁ and the entirety of outer portion 448₁. When band 412 ₁ is assembled with module 432, the resulting structurecan be substantially the same as discussed above with respect to FIGS.1-9. Further, an additional band 412 ₂ can be provided that includes aninner portion 438 ₂ and an outer portion 448 ₂, similar to that of band412 ₁. Band 412 ₂, however, can be structured to include a pair of rims431 ₂ integrally formed therewith that can receive respective ones of apair of lenses 418 ₂. The lenses 418 ₂ can be in the form of sunglasslenses, prescription eyeglass lenses, prescription sunglass lenses, orthe like. Lenses 418 ₂ can be captured between portions of outer portion448 ₂ and inner portion 438 ₂ within rims 431 ₂. Further, inner portion448 ₂ of band 412 ₂ can be removable to allow the lenses 418 ₂ to beinterchanged with band 412 ₂. Inner portion 438 ₂ can also include anosepiece 420 ₂ integrally formed therewith. In this embodiment, band412 ₁ and band 412 ₂ can be interchangeable by a user and can attach tomodule 432 by a snap-fit arrangement or the like. Module 432 can includea mechanism or other means to identify, for example, when a band 412 ₂including sunglass lenses is assembled therewith to adjust settings ofmodule 432, such as the brightness of display 454.

Although the description herein has been made with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

1. A head-wearable device, comprising: a center support extending ingenerally lateral directions; a first side arm extending from a firstend of the center frame support; a second side arm extending from asecond end of the center support; an extension arm configured to presentinformation to the user via a display element, the extension armextending at least partially along the first side arm on a first side ofthe center support and further extending from the first side arm to adisplay end that supports the display element in a position on a secondside of the center support, the extension arm including a joint thereinconfigured for movement of the display element at least in a directionhaving a lateral component relative to the center support.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the center support extends in an arc along a firstplane, and wherein the joint of the extension arm is configured suchthat the movement includes rotation of the display element on a secondplane that is substantially parallel to the first plane, and wherein therotation of the display element also causes the translation thereof inthe direction having at least a lateral component relative to the centersupport.
 3. The device of claim 1, further including a pair of spacedapart pads affixed to the center support by corresponding, selectivelydeformable support arms.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the centersupport and the first and second side arms are configured as a bandextending between first and second ends respectively positioned on thefirst and second side arms, the first and second ends being remote fromthe center support and spaced apart from each other at a first distance,and wherein the band is resiliently deformable to selectively increasethe first distance.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first side armis comparatively more rigid that the center support.
 6. The device ofclaim 4, wherein deformation of the band to increase the first distancerotates the extension arm in a first direction, and wherein the joint isconfigured to enable movement that includes rotation of the display in asecond direction that opposes the first direction.
 7. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the band is configured for resilient deformation toincrease the first distance by at least 40% under a maximum force of 1.2N.
 8. The device of claim 4, wherein the band is configured forresilient deformation to increase the first distance by about 50% undera maximum force of about 0.6 N.
 9. The device of claim 4, wherein theband includes a compliant inner portion and a resilient outer portion,the resilient outer portion being a substantially uniform structure andthe compliant inner portion lining the resilient outer portion.
 10. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein the end of the first side arm is elongatedrelative to the free of the second side arm to form an asymmetric Ushape.
 11. The device of claim 4, wherein the end of the first side armis enlarged relative to the end of the second side arm, the enlarged endhousing at least one of circuitry and a power source employed by thedisplay device.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein: the asymmetric Ushape provides multiple points of contact for the user's head; and theenlarge end of the first side arm provides a balancing weight relativeto the extension arm.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the enlargedend includes a plurality of electrical contacts to connect an externaldevice with the at least one of circuitry and a power source.
 14. Thedevice of claim 13, wherein the electrical contacts are substantiallyflush with an exterior surface of the enlarged end and are separated bya portion of the exterior surface.
 15. The device of claim 1, whereinthe joint rotatably connects first and second portions of the extensionarm, the first portion being attached with the first side arm, and thesecond portion including the display end.
 16. The device of claim 15,further including a camera disposed on the second portion of theextension arm.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the extension armincludes an inside surface facing the second side arm, the devicefurther including a button disposed on the inside surface forcontrolling a function of the device.
 18. The device of claim 17,wherein the button includes an illuminable portion through which anindicator light associated with the function is viewable.
 19. Anapparatus, comprising: a center support including a nosepiece affixedthereto, wherein the nosepiece is configured to rest on the nose of thea user with the central portion being supported over the brow of theuser; a first side arm extending from a first end of the center framesupport and configured to contact a portion of the head of the user neara first ear; a second side arm extending from a second end of the centerframe support and configured to contact a portion of the head of theuser near a second ear; an extension arm configured to presentinformation to the user via a display element, the extension armextending at least partially along one of the side arms and extendingfrom the side arm to a display end that supports the display element soas to be positionable adjacent an eye of the user, the extension armincluding a joint therein to enable rotation of the display element in adirection toward or away from the user's eye within the user's line ofsight.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the joint is positionedwithin the extension arm such that rotation of the display elementfurther results in lateral translation of the display.
 21. The apparatusof claim 19, wherein the center support and the first and second sidearms are configured as a band extending between first and second endsrespectively positioned on the first and second side arms and defining aU shape, wherein the band is resiliently deformable to be wearable on auser's head by expansion of the “U” shape.
 22. The apparatus of claim20, wherein rotation of the display element is configured to compensatefor a change in position of the display element due to expansion of the“U” shape.
 23. A wearable device assembly configured to be worn on auser's head, comprising: a module, including an extension arm configuredto present information to the user via a display element, a housing unitremote from the extension arm, and a connecting member extending betweenthe housing unit and the extension arm; and a retention elementincluding a center support extending in an arc along a first plane, afirst side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support,and an attachment arm extending from a second end of the center support;wherein the module is configured for assembly with the retention elementby attaching the connecting member with the attachment arm to define asecond side arm extending from the second end of the center support suchthat the extension arm extends at least partially along the second sidearm on a first side of the center support and further extends from theside arm to a display end that supports the display element in aposition on a second side of the center support.
 24. The assembly ofclaim 23, wherein the extension arm includes a joint therein to enablerotation of the display element on a second plane that is substantiallyparallel to the first plane.
 25. The assembly of claim 23, wherein theretention element includes a compliant inner portion and a resilientouter portion, the resilient outer portion being a substantially uniformstructure that defines an outer surface of the first side arm andextends from the second end of the center support to define theattachment arm.
 26. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the retentionelement includes a nosepiece configured for resting on the nose of theuser when the module and retention member are assembled together,wherein the first side arm is configured to contact a portion of thehead of the user near a first ear, the second side is configured tocontact a portion of the head of the user near a second ear, and thedisplay element is positionable adjacent an eye of the user.
 27. Theassembly of claim 23, wherein the retention member includes a first lensand a second lens affixed to the center support thereof, the first andsecond lenses being positionable over respective eyes of the user, andwherein when assembled the display element is supported by the extensionarm on a side of the lens opposite one of the user's eyes.